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The Ministry of Education (MEC) also said in its statement: “The ministry regrets to inform that a tragic fire occurred on Sunday at the National Museum of Rio de Janeiro, created by Dom Joao VI and which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.

“The MEC will not spare efforts to assist in what is necessary for the recovery of this our historical heritage.”

Emperor Dom Pedro I, the first to hold the regal title in Brazil after it gained independence from Portugal in 1824, founded the museum which also houses artefacts from across the globe.